June 2021 BRD Monthly
posted on May 19
COVID-19 Guidelines for In-Person Worship & Ministry
(updated 5.18.2021)
View & Download a copy of the updated guidelines here.
For more resources related to COVID-19 visit
https://www.wnccumc.org/covid
Annual Conference 2021
This year's Annual Conference will be live-streamed on the WNCC website, Facebook and YouTube page. The Ordering of Ministry Services, however, will be held in-person at Lake Junaluska!
The Annual Conference Offering will be gifted to UMAR and the Northern Haiti Mission Connection in honor of Bishop Paul and Janet Leeland.
If you would like to give before June 12 you may do so here.
- Clergy Session (private stream) - June 11, 10 a.m.
- 2021 Annual Conference - June 12, 10 a.m.
- Ordering of Ministry Services - June 19
Commissioning Service - 10 a.m.
Ordination Service - 2 p.m.
Complete details on the Annual Conference can be found here at WNCCUMC.ORG
Bishop Paul Leeland to Retire
After over 50 years in ministry, Bishop Paul L. Leeland has announced his retirement for September 1, 2021.
A word from the Western North Carolina Conference on his retirement.
Welcoming Bishop Ken Carter
The Western North Carolina Conference will welcome Bishop Ken Carter September 1, 2021. As current Florida Conference Bishop, Carter will continue to lead in duel roles in Florida as well as in Western North Carolina until the Council of Bishops for the SEJ meet again in 2022.
"I will begin serving the Western North Carolina Conference. This is my home conference, one that supported and confirmed my calling to the work of a bishop." - Excerpt from a message of Bishop Ken Carter
Clergy, Save the Date!
Bishop Carter will begin his time in the WNCC with four in-person clergy meetings throughout the conference. The Blue Ridge District clergy meeting will be held on September 7, 2021. More details will be sent as they become available.
Support for Ongoing Live Streaming
As congregations begin to move back to varying levels of in-person worship, some are finding live streaming of worship services to be an ongoing need and desire for connection. If your congregation is moving toward a permanent solution for live-streaming, the Blue Ridge District would like to help you navigate this new terrain by providing grant money toward consultation and education in purchasing, setting up, and running live-stream equipment.
The Blue Ridge District will partner with participating congregations by providing $300 of a $400 consultation fee which will include:
- An in-person consultation to assess your needs and budget
- A presentation of customized options
- Assistance in choosing the appropriate equipment
- On-site installation and training
If you would like to participate and are willing to invest $100 toward a consultant, please email Shonnie (sstreder@wnccumc.org) and she will help you get started.
Juneteenth Celebration
On Saturday, June 19th, 2021, The Smoky Mountain District of the United Methodist Church will host a Conference-wide JUNETEENTH Freedom Celebration at Lake Junaluska. This event is free and open to everyone.
A worship service led by Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand will begin at 2pm in the Nanci Weldon Gym. Included in the service will be a presentation by Novella Nimmo from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati Ohio.
A community celebration will begin at 3pm with food trucks, inflatables, games and more!
Upcoming Events
- June 3: Imagine Hub Summit
- June 11: 2021 Annual Conference Clergy Session
- June 12: 2021 Annual Conference
- June 19: 2021 Annual Conference - Ordering of Ministry Services
- June 19: Juneteenth Celebration
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